You are here

7th Week of Easter

Date:

Fri, 06/02/2017

Author:

Rev. Msgr. Donald Enzweiler

Earlier in the Gospel of John
as the Last Supper is winding down
Peter asks “Lord, where are you going?”
Jesus answers “where I am going you cannot follow me now.
But you shall follow afterward.”
Being impetuous as he was Peter protests “why can’t I follow you now?
I will lay down my life for you.”
But the Jesus who sees into hearts knew…Peter wasn’t yet ready.
And sure enough, what does Peter do not too long after this conversation?
He denies he even knows Jesus….not once, but three times.

We are taken back to this exchange as the Risen Lord prepares to return to the Father.
In a way Jesus now says “Peter, remember you once said to me you would follow me,
that you would lay down your life for me? Soon that time will come.
In the meantime, take care of my sheep. Oversee the flock.”
Not only would Peter follow Jesus to the cross, Peter would follow Jesus in resurrection.

In a way I want to say “be careful what you wish for;
be careful about the promises you make to the Lord.”
In a moment of passion or desperation, you may commit to something
that will have you saying in the end “me and my big mouth!”

Peter is given great responsibility: overseeing the church Jesus established.
This responsibility comes to him at great cost: his very life.

One of the difficult aspects of being a disciple of Jesus
is discerning not only how we are to serve the Lord, but also when.
We see the need. We hear the call. And say “Okay, Lord, I’m ready.
I’m eager. I’m zealous.”
And the Lord says to us “…no, you’re not ready yet.
You’re not strong enough. Your faith isn’t deep enough.
You lack some essential skill, gift, knowledge.”

At other times we see the need. We hear the call. An opportunity presents itself.
And we say “Lord, I’m not ready yet.” And the Lord says to us “Oh yes you are!”
So we protest “I’m not strong enough. I don’t have the necessary courage.
I need more time to get ready.”
And the Lord says “I will provide.”

I have often said “Love is not enough.” And in some cases it isn’t.
I can love others but not be able to meet their needs.
And then sometimes the love we have has to be enough, because it’s all we have to offer.
We should never underestimate the power of love
but we need to be careful not to overestimate our abilities and our competence.
There is a big difference between humble strength and reckless pride.

In two days we celebrate Pentecost.
As we discern how and when to serve in Jesus’ name,
may the Holy Spirit be our constant companion.